McLaren test driver signs for Jota

Last update The 10/01/2013 at 13:15 - Published on 10/01/2013 at 20:13

By Eurosport - The 10/01/2013 at 13:15

Jota Sport will welcome Britain’s McLaren development driver Oliver Turvey into its fold for the 2013 season.

The 25-year-old will join Jota Sport regular Simon Dolan in the team's Zytek-Nissan LMP2 for the full European Le Mans Series campaign while also contesting selected rounds of the FIA World Endurance Championship, including a planned assault on the Le Mans 24 Hours pending invitation from the ACO.

Penrith-born Turvey first rose to prominence in 2006 by winning the prestigious McLaren Autosport BRDC Award, marking him out as one of the most promising talents in motorsport and securing a test with the multiple world title-winning Formula 1 squad.

Backed by the Racing Steps Foundation, his progress continued with a runner-up finish in the 2008 British F3 championship before race-winning campaigns in F1 feeder series Formula Renault 3.5 and GP2.

2011 saw Turvey take on an increased role at McLaren as he formed part of the development driver line-up for the MP4-12C GT3 project.

In 2012 he was appointed a reserve driver for the British marque's iconic Formula 1 squad, testing the grand prix-winning MP4-27 in Abu Dhabi, while also continuing to undertake selected GT races in the MP4-12C.

Turvey joins Jota following a promising 2012 season for the British squad which saw a memorable LMP2 class victory at the 6 Hours of Spa and a spirited run at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Sam Hignett, Jota Sport team principal said: "We are thrilled to start 2013 by announcing the signing of Oliver Turvey.

“Needless to say, it's fantastic to have secured a driver of his undoubted ability and pedigree.

"In particular, we are delighted to have gained Oliver's superb engineering knowledge and acumen.

“Despite his young age he can teach us a great deal, and I know that Simon as well as the technical team are eager to begin working with him.

"What's more, signing Oliver is a clear indication of Jota's ambition to succeed at the highest levels of world motorsport.

“By securing one of the most promising young talents available, we have made it clear that our goal for this year is to fight at the very front from the opening race and challenge for the championship."

Turvey added: "I am thrilled and delighted to be joining Jota Sport for the 2013 season.

“I am extremely excited to begin working with the team and can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the LMP2 car. I would like to thank Simon and Sam for putting their trust and support behind me. I look forward to a successful season with Jota Sport.

"I have been very impressed with both the facilities and preparation that Jota Sport have put towards the 2013 season and believe that we have a winning team ready to compete at the highest level.

"I would also like to thank Vodafone McLaren Mercedes for their continued support and allowing me to pursue this opportunity alongside my test driver role with the team.

“ I am confident the experience I have working with one of the most successful teams in Formula 1 will benefit me in my preparations for LMP2."

Jota Sport remain in discussions with potential drivers for the third seat at the team. Their first racing engagement of the season will come on home turf when the European Le Mans Series opens at Silverstone on April 13.